Colorado the Latest State for Gray Wolf Restoration Efforts

Gray Wolfs

Since making the endangered species list in 1974, gray wolves in North America have been a hot-button topic. It was at this time that the majestic species became protected from both hunters and trappers. However, thanks to intense efforts over the last 50 years, the gray wolf has rebounded, exceeding recovery goals, returning to the Great Lakes, the northern Rockies, … Read More

Are You a Digiscoping Ounce-Counter?

Some photography ventures can be grueling. Ask any wedding, sports, or nature photographers and they’ll tell you they are exhausted when finished. Yes, like hiking and hunting, some photography treks can be a grind. The same is true for the digiscoping guys and gals traversing myriad landscapes around the world. While dressing appropriately for current conditions and wearing sensible shoes … Read More

Reminder! Whitetail Season Means Digiscoping Season

Crunching leaves beneath cautious hooves, crisp mornings, venison, and antlers. These are the things that dreams are made of – ones that fill the thought bubble of many deer hunters as they contemplate the first hunt of a new season. This magical time of year yields the anticipation only a sportsman can understand. There are the deer hunters who carefully … Read More

Bracing for Digiscoping Success: How to Use a Tripod Binocular Adapter

Digiscoping has much to do with achieving optimal steadiness when clicking that shutter button on your smartphone camera at the moment of truth. That’s where tripods earn their keep. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone using a spotting scope without one. Sure, some folks use window mounts on their vehicle, but it’s rare to see anyone free-handing it … Read More

Game Management: Boosting the Selection Process with Digiscoping

I could hardly believe it. Through the balmy air, a common foe approached from the cedar thicket. The fog had lifted enough to see Skyscraper, a mature 8-point buck that had eluded me for weeks. I had all but admitted defeat, assuming the wily buck had lost his life at the hands of a hapless commuter or another hunter’s arrow … Read More

The How and Why to Use a Binocular Chest Pack for Digiscoping

While I don’t know the history of binocular harnesses and chest packs, utilizing them in the field has been an easy decision for a long time.   In a world inundated with hunting and outdoor gear, it’s important to delineate the useful from the trivial. However, once you’ve decided on the combo of gear to employ, it’s important to decide what to actually … Read More

Phone Skope Digiscoping How-To

Digiscoping Gear and Accessories

If you’re an avid birder or wildlife enthusiast, you know that capturing the perfect shot of your subject can be a challenge. Enter digiscoping – a method of taking photos or videos through a spotting scope or binoculars using your smartphone. With digiscoping, you can capture stunning, high-quality images and videos of distant wildlife without investing in expensive camera equipment. … Read More

Digiscoping Today: The Futile Quest for a Better Way

Digiscoping Today

Written By Jerald (jerald@1stlighthuntingjournal.com) For those that love viewing and capturing distant images through a lens, the opportunities are many. Why? For one, there are plenty of places on God’s green earth to roam, whether in the back forty, backyard, or local park. Second, there are so many outdoor activities, sports, and hobbies to go around – ones that warrant capturing, recording, … Read More

Capturing the Magic of Springtime Through Digiscoping

For many outdoor adventurers and leisurists, spring is arguably the most highly-anticipated time of the year. In the colder climes, it marks the end of frigid (and often messy) conditions – a welcome transition toward comfortable days outdoors enjoying any number of activities. In many regions, spring is also a great window for outdoor activities, sitting firmly between winter and … Read More

Capturing Details Through Spotting Scope Digiscoping

Man looking through a Phone Skope scope.

For many, a good pair of binoculars is the sweet spot for their outdoor exploits. Admittedly, I fall into this group. I like the portability, as well as the ability to have one securely tethered to my chest with a chest pack.  However, as hunters, there is often a “bigger is better” mentality; bigger rifle calibers, bigger broadhead cutting diameter, … Read More